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The Aero family is one of Justice Design Group’s best-selling families of wall sconces, bath bars and chandeliers. Shown here in Brushed Nickel with Fusion-Opal glass shades, the four-light bath bar is a perfect fit for...

Elco Lighting’s 15W LED track fixture is adaptable to the company’s single- or double-circuit track systems. Available with four different beam spreads (15, 25, 38 or 60 degrees) and a 120V LED dimmable driver makes it a...

The Vix linear pendant from Cerno is both minimalist and a statement piece. This light fixture is great over a dining table, kitchen island, bar or pool table. In addition to the three powerful LED downlights, there...

The Super Torpedo Flame Collection from Spotlite-USA contains six filaments that provide 550 lumens. All of the company’s decorative bulbs use an electronic driver that eliminates the need for an unattractive heat sink,...

Uncluttered and elegant lines define the Parallel family. The Polished Nickel with etched opal glass versions have become some of the most popular Nuvo Lighting designs. Various configurations allow for numerous design...

Jesco’s CM405 is an ultra-high output, energy-saving LED low-profile ceiling or ADA-compliant wall sconce that can also easily convert into a downlight retrofit trim for 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch incandescent housings with a...

Since 1981, the Alinea linear wall sconce from Aamsco has been used worldwide in bathroom vanity applications. Now, the company has patented an LED retrofit to replace the original incandescent lamp. Available in three sizes...

Hand-polished clear crystal spheres hang like gems from a forged iron grid in this Madison Collection chandelier from Elegant Lighting. Several sizes, crystal options and a Polished Nickel frame are available.

In Newbury, artisans inlay strands of brass into molten glass while blowing it into a cone shape usng a unique European technique. The brass remains encapsulated there, coming to life when illuminated. A long, tungsten-...

I have a two story great room with an open floor plan. Currently four recessed lights, installed by home builder, provide horrible ambient light that is dim and yellow. We are planning to upgrade to something else that provides more brightness and white (daylight) color. What is the best option from your perspective? LED flood lights versus retrofit with Cree lights versus something else? I am concerned about the heat generated — I do not want to have to hire someone to come out and change the bulbs in a couple of years. Any specifics on lumens, type and color would be greatly appreciated.

A. :
Yes, four recessed downlights are a terrible way to light the two-story space. Just changing out the light bulbs will not do much to improve the quality of light. These downlights cast harsh shadows on family and guests. They also don't provide any kind of ambient light/uplighting to show off this two-story expanse at night.
My recommendation would be to install one or two pendant light fixtures, depending on the shape of the room. If it's a square, use one fixture, if it's a rectangle, use two...